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About Iowa Medicaid

IA Health Link Members to Regain Choice Amerigroup of Iowa has notified the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) that they have capacity to begin accepting new IA Health Link members. DHS will be ending the temporary suspension of MCO choice. Additional information will be shared in the coming weeks and months.Please check theIA Health Link Frequently Asked Questions web page for more details.

The Iowa Medicaid Enterprise (IME) is the division of the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) that administers the Iowa Medicaid program. On April 1, 2016, the DHS transitioned most Iowa Medicaid members to a managed care program called IA Health Link. Most existing Medicaid members were enrolled in IA Health Link on April 1, 2016, and most new members who become eligible after April 1, 2016, will also be enrolled in IA Health Link. Some Medicaid members will continue to be served through Medicaid Fee-for-Service.

The IA Health Link program is administered by three contracted Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) which provide members with comprehensive health care services, including physical, behavioral and long-term care services and support. The MCOs have a comprehensive network of health care providers that ensures quality care to all Medicaid members. For more information regarding the Iowa Medicaid transition to managed care, please read the IA Health LinkFrequently Asked Questions. You will also find more information regarding the managed care transition on the Medicaid Modernization web page.

Stay informed on the most up-to-date information, changes, and policies regarding Iowa Medicaid!

Temporary Suspension of MCO Choice: The department has put in place a temporary suspension of Managed Care Organization (MCO) choice. Due to concerns with capacity, Amerigroup Iowa is not accepting any additional members at this time. All new IA Health Link members will be assigned to UnitedHealthcare. In the future members will be able to choose from multiple MCOs. Members will be notified when that choice is available. AmeriHealth Caritas’ members transitioned to UnitedHealthcare effective December 1, 2017. Learn more by reading the sample member letter, the Press Release, the FAQ for Members, and the FAQ for Providers. Updated information will be posted as it is available. Please check back regularly.

New Medicaid Director Appointed to DHS: The Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) announced Friday that Michael Randol has been appointed director of the Iowa Medicaid Enterprise (IME). Read the press release.

Work Process Flow Charts for Various Medicaid Programs: Presented below are flow charts that outline different work flows that illustrate various policies and processes for various Medicaid programs.

Your Guide to Medicaid Fee-for-Service (FFS): The Iowa Medicaid Enterprise (IME) has released a new informational booklet that provides the latest information about the three Iowa Medicaid coverage groups and corresponding programs: IA Health Link, Medicaid Fee-for-Service (FFS), and Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (hawk-i). Although the booklet provides information on all the IME coverage programs, if focuses on providing information on the Medicaid FFS programs. Access the new FFS Guide. (Version Español)